Anonymous opposes the harmful practices and policies of the Church of Scientology.
The Church of Scientology abuses the rights of its own followers, ex-scientologists, families and critics.
Anonymous is committed to legal, nonviolent action to raise awareness about Scientology and end the abuse.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Scientology, "Fair Game" Mafia tactics, and Asbestos Cruise Ships

Scientology Asbestos Ship Hazard

Lloyd's List reports:"A PANAMA-flagged cruiseship used by the Church of Scientology as its ultimate spiritual retreat remains sealed after a health scare forced refurbishment of the vessel being carried out by Curaçao Drydock Co to be suspended."

The cruise ship is MV Freewinds, the only place where Scientologists can receive OT8 (the highest level in Scientology). The ship is also the site of many other Scientology training courses, functions, and recreational activities. When the Freewinds docks at ports, local residents often attend events held on board. A crew of Scientology staff members live and work on the ship.

So it is extremely worrying that the Freewinds is extensively contaminated with blue asbestos.

A Fox6 report quotes toxicologist Dr. Chris Coggins: "This is the most dangerous type of asbestos because the fibres are smaller than the white asbestos and can penetrate the lung more easily. Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, the victim has six months to a year to live. It gradually reduces lung function until the victim is no longer able to breathe and dies."

According to a 2001 affidavit by a former Scientologist who worked as the ship's architect, Scientology leaders knew about the asbestos problem on the Freewinds since 1987, but did nothing to make the ship safe. Lawrence Woodcraft noted the hazard and reported it promptly. However, his warnings were brushed aside, apparently because senior Scientologists believed that Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard never stated that asbestos is harmful. In fact, Hubbard actually stated that society took too long to recognize the very real danger of asbestos. In the years since 1987, it has become increasingly evident that asbestos causes cancer.

For 21 years, the Church of Scientology has exposed its own followers and others to a well-known and deadly carcinogen. It appears that this shocking negligence is the result of Scientology leaders' callous disregard for the welfare of human beings.

No apology has been forthcoming from the Church of Scientology, in fact the only comment from spokesperson Karin Pouw has been a bizarre denial which contradicts the information released by Curaçao authorities.

"A church is the last thing you would associate with Mafia-style revenge tactics. Yet the Church of Scientology has developed a fearsome reputation across the media, Government agencies, and the critical community. This notoriety is a consequence of a Scientology policy known as "Fair Game" - almost a license to kill, granted to Scientologists when dealing with anyone considered 'enemies' of the church."

"ENEMY - SP Order. Fair game. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed."- HCO Policy Letter, 18 Oct 1967 Issue IV, Penalties for Lower Conditions

"You may not believe this, but you can write something that someone doesn’t approve of and then—with the help of the government—be bankrupted and have a quarter of your life almost ruined. And you don’t have to live in China or Russia. It can happen right here in New York. I know because it happened to me. I haven’t previously written about this from beginning to end because it’s still painful, but here goes."

Scientology's revenge policy is still being practiced today. It is unacceptable for a supposedly religious organization to be behaving in such a barbaric manner in this day and age. "Fair Game" is a paranoid and aggressive doctrine that is incompatible with the values of lawful society.